Cancerwise

Audrey Yerian, known to her friends and family as “Audge,” is a 10-year-old competitive cheerleader from Tomball, Texas. Her passion for cheer matches her incredible courage. So, when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive childhood brain tumor, she faced it with the same perseverance, courage and passion.

For years, Audrey had experienced brain tumor symptoms, including debilitating migraines and what were believed to be moments of daydreaming, later revealed to be focal seizures. Despite persistent advocacy from her parents, early imaging was delayed by her local doctors. A CT scan in October 2024 was read as a sinus infection by a neuro-radiologist, who missed signs of skull deformation.

But when Audrey began having six or more seizures a day, her parents pushed for an MRI. That scan led to a life-changing diagnosis of a Grade 3 anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (APXA), a rare type of brain cancer.

Perseverance during brain tumor treatment

On Nov. 11, 2024, Audrey underwent a craniotomy at Texas Children’s Hospital. A craniotomy is the most common surgery to treat brain tumors and surgically remove the tumor. With a quick timeline to meet clinical trial requirements, she was immediately referred to MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center, where she began targeted proton therapy treatments under the care of pediatric radiation oncologist Gohar Manzar, M.D., Ph.D., followed by a two-year oral chemotherapy regimen at Texas Children’s Hospital under a clinical trial by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

Because protons can be precisely controlled, pediatric proton therapy is ideal for tumors located near growing tissues in the spinal cord, brain, eyes, ears or mouth.

Manzar recalls in their first day meeting that Audrey realized they had something in common – being an avid Taylor Swift fan. “She noticed my Swiftie status on my badge pin and requested that I play ‘Shake It Off’ on my guitar for her last weekly visit,” says Manzar. “It is the first time I ever played guitar for one of my patients as opposed to ukulele, and it was such a magical experience for all of us. The whole family sang along, and we got into the lyrics, which was so encouraging for Audrey.”

With the support of child life specialist Ellen Reynolds, Audrey completed six weeks of treatment without the need for sedation. This included an MRI that lasted nearly three hours, during which she had to remain completely still with her head secured in place.